Joy, Play & Everyday Childhood Adventures
The King of Kindergarten
By Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Starting kindergarten is a big milestone--and the hero of this story is ready to make his mark! He's dressed himself, eaten a pile of pancakes, and can't wait to be part of a whole new kingdom of kids. The day will be jam-packed, but he's up to the challenge, taking new experiences in stride with his infectious enthusiasm! And afterward, he can't wait to tell his proud parents all about his achievements--and then wake up to start another day.
The Queen of Kindergarten
By Derrick Barnes, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
MJ is more than ready for her first day of kindergarten! With her hair freshly braided and her mom's special tiara on her head, she knows she’s going to rock kindergarten. But the tiara isn’t just for show—it also reminds her of all the good things she brings to the classroom, stuff like her kindness, friendliness, and impressive soccer skills, too!
Saturday
By Oge Mora
In this heartfelt and universal story, a mother and daughter look forward to their special Saturday routine together every single week. But this Saturday, one thing after another goes wrong--ruining storytime, salon time, picnic time, and the puppet show they'd been looking forward to going to all week. Mom is nearing a meltdown...until her loving daughter reminds her that being together is the most important thing of all.
Thank You, Omu!
By Oge Mora
Everyone in the neighborhood dreams of a taste of Omu's delicious stew! One by one, they follow their noses toward the scrumptious scent. And one by one, Omu offers a portion of her meal. Soon the pot is empty. Has she been so generous that she has nothing left for herself?
The Night is Yours
By Abdul-Razak Zachariah, Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo
Little one, so calm and so happy, the darkness of the night is yours like the darkness of your skin.
This lyrical text, narrated to a young girl named Amani by her father, follows her as she plays an evening game of hide-and-seek with friends at her apartment complex. The moon's glow helps Amani find the last hidden child, and seems almost like a partner to her in her game, as well as a spotlight pointing out her beauty and strength.
Parker Looks Up: An Extraordinary Moment
By Parker Curry & Jessica Curry, Illustrated by Brittany Jackson
When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.
Brown Boy Joy
By Thomishia Booker
This book is filled with all the things little brown boys LOVE. From dinosaurs to gardening there are no limits to what little brown boys can enjoy. This book shows the world what Brown Boy Joy looks like. Brown Boy Joy is an empowering story filled with affirmations. Inside you will find vibrant illustrations and rhyming text designed to capture the attention of children.
A Day With Daddy
By Nikki Grimes, Illustrated by Nicole Tadgell
A boy enjoys every moment of a special day with his father, as they play in the park, share french fries, and see a movie together.
The Snowy Day
By Ezra Jack Heats
One snowy morning, a little boy named Peter puts on his snowsuit and steps out of his house into a winter wonderland. He is captivated by the way the snow has transformed his world, and spends the day making snow angels, building a snowman, sliding down slick mountains, and much more. By the time he comes inside, Peter thinks his adventures in the snow are over. But when he wakes up the next morning, he realizes that new snowfall has covered the earth once more!
Jamaica Series
By Juanita Havill, Illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien
The Jamaica book series by Juanita Havill includes books Jamaica's Find (Reading Rainbow), Jamaica's Blue Marker, Jamaica and Brianna, and several more
